Police searching for man selling fake tickets to P!nk show
Suspect used online classified-ad service to publicize fraudulent passes to concert
The Montreal police are seeking the public’s help to track down a man suspected of selling fake tickets to attend a P!nk concert next month.
The police are also asking for potential victims of the ticket seller to step forward.
The suspect is about 25 years old with short brown hair, the police said in a press release on Friday. He’s about 5-foot-10 and weighs about 155 lb. The suspect was seen wearing a black-hooded down-filled jacket, beige slacks and black shoes.
The suspect used a classified-ad website to advertise a pair of tickets to see P!nk at the Bell Centre on March 23, the police press release said. A victim who bought the electronic tickets discovered they were fake by checking with the Bell Centre box office after the transaction, it said.
The Montreal police warn that ticket fraud is widespread, chalking up victims every time there’s a sold-out concert in the city. As a result, the police are offering the following tips when purchasing from someone who’s reselling tickets:
Always buy tickets in person; if possible, bring someone with you when buying the tickets; arrange to meet the reseller somewhere close to a box office or other place where the ticket or tickets can be authenticated; ask to see the original receipt for the ticket or tickets; check the information that’s printed on the ticket — date, time, venue; don’t give in to pressure from a reseller; don’t hand over any money until you have the ticket or tickets in hand.
The tips aren’t a guarantee against fraud when buying used tickets, the police said.
Anyone who recognizes the suspect, has been a victim of the suspect, knows a victim or was a witness is being asked to report it at a neighbourhood police station or phone 911.